SGT John R. O'Donnell, Jr.

John R. 'Jake' O'Donnell, Jr. resided in Bayonne until his graduation from Saint Peter's Preparatory School (Class of 2004), Jersey City, New Jersey. He then joined the United States Marine Corps on December 27, 2004. At boot camp graduation at Parris Island, South Carolina he was promoted meritoriously to PFC Jake proudly served his country with one tour of duty in West PAC, one tour of duty in Iraq, and two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

He was promoted to LCpl in 2006 while stationed at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina and then Promoted to Sgt in 2009 while serving at MCAS Kanehoe Bay, Hawaii. He was a car enthusiast, and was a member of the American Car Club, Team TOS.

Jake was married to his sweetheart, Kristen Pollard. He was the devoted son of John and Kathleen O’Donnell of Bayonne, New Jersey and brother to Kelsey, Shannon, Tara, Meghan and Liam.

He spent 3 years with the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, stationed at Marine Corps Base Kanehoe Bay, Hawaii. His last squadron was Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 302 (HMHT-302) “Phoenix” based in MCAS New River, North Carolina. Jake and his wife had just purchased their first home in Jacksonville, North Carolina when we lost him.

Sgt. John R. 'Jake' O'Donnell, Jr., 26, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2013.Jake resided in Bayonne until his graduation from Saint Peter's Prep (Class of 2004). He then joined the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served his country with one tour of duty in West PAC, one tour of duty in Iraq, and two tours of duty in Afghanistan. He was a car enthusiast, and was a member of the American Car Club, Team TOS. Beloved Husband of Kristen (nee: Pollard); devoted son of Kathleen (nee: Byrnes) and John R. O'Donnell, Sr.; dear son-in-law of Tama Kelley and Don Pollard; loving brother of Kelsey, Shannon, Tara, Meghan and Liam O'Donnell; dear brother-in-law of Jason, Megan, Kara Pollard; cherished grandson of Joan (nee: McComb) and Donald Byrnes, Frances (nee: Bonner) and the late Philip O'Donnell; loving nephew of Karen Smith and her husband James 'Snuffy' Smith, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Michael O'Donnell, U.S. Army and his wife Jihan, Phil 'Buddy' O'Donnell and his wife Susan; adoring cousin of Philip 'Buddy' O'Donnell, Sean O'Donnell, Captain Michael O'Donnell, U.S. Army, Ryan O'Donnell, Petty Officer, 2nd Class Brett O'Don-nell, U.S. Navy, Erin O'Donnell and Katie O'Donnell. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Viewing on Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the G. Keenen O'Brien Funeral Home, 984 Avenue C, Bayonne, New Jersey. A funeral mass will be offered on Monday, at 10:45 a.m. at St. Henry Church. Interment will follow at Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675. G. Keenen O'Brien Funeral Home, Inc. 984 Avenue C Bayonne, NJ 07002 (201) 339-0220